Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications
Bouvé College of Health Sciences, D'Amore-McKim School of Business
Future-proof your career with the power of AI.
100%
online
4+
Months
16
cREDITS
$5,250
$328/credit
Program Overview: Build AI Expertise for Your Industry
AI is transforming industries, and professionals can no longer afford to ignore its impact. Whether you want to integrate AI tools into business decision-making, develop an AI strategy for your organization, or understand how AI can drive innovation in health sciences, Northeastern University's Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications program equips you with the skills to lead in an AI-driven world.
What You’ll Learn: Practical AI Skills for Real-World Impact
-
Identify AI tools that can improve business or operational practices through a human-centered approach
-
Assess potential risks and benefits of using AI in your field
-
Plan for AI-related challenges and design practical solutions
-
Recognize biases in AI systems and propose steps to mitigate and correct them
-
Communicate technical and non-technical information effectively to diverse stakeholders
-
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to apply AI in your specific industry context
Two industry-aligned tracks
Along with an interdisciplinary core, the Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications offers two pathways so you can focus your learning where it matters most.
AI Applications for Business
Offered by the D’Amore‑McKim School of Business, AI Applications for Business examines how organizations use artificial intelligence to strengthen competitiveness and support business strategy. You'll learn how machine learning techniques, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, can be applied to real business challenges and used to recommend AI‑driven solutions. You will also gain practical insight into implementation considerations and ethical implications, preparing you to navigate the evolving landscape of AI‑enabled business transformation responsibly.
AI Applications for Health Sciences
Offered by Bouvé College of Health Sciences, AI Applications for Health Sciences allows you to explore foundational concepts of AI and its applications in healthcare, public health, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical sciences. You'll explore the history of AI, common AI approaches, and state-of-the-art applications across the health sciences.
AI Applications program benefits and features
Alignment with job functions and career opportunities: Northeastern's program bridges the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing the practical applications of AI within various professions and industries. Through real-world case studies and industry collaborations, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to effectively apply AI technologies in your field, driving tangible results and advancements in industry.
No programming experience required: You don’t need a technical background to succeed in this program. The Graduate Certificate in AI Applications is designed specifically for those with little to no programming experience who want to harness the power of AI within their discipline.
Real-world application through experiential and practice-based learning: Northeastern prioritizes experiential and practice-based learning to prepare students for successful careers in AI.
"My course is grounded in one big question: What does it mean to develop AI and design AI tools that augment and enhance human capabilities, rather than replace them?"
- Steven Geofrey, Associate Teaching Professor
Stack into your master's
Complete your Northeastern Online graduate certificate and stack those credits toward an applicable master's degree at Northeastern. Each certificate program aligns with specific master's pathways, allowing you to:
- Accelerate your master's journey: Get a head start with at least 12 credits already completed.
- Save thousands: With certificates priced at $5,250, save thousands off the full cost of a degree when you stack credits.
- Test-drive graduate studies: Experience Northeastern University's world-class online education before committing to a full degree program.
- Build your credentials step-by-step: Earn valuable qualifications along your educational journey while working toward long-term goals.
⇒ Learn how to stack and save with Northeastern Online's Stack Track
How to Join
Join the Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications using Northeastern Online's Fast App, a streamlined graduate admissions process you can complete in less than 5 minutes. No lengthy application. No waiting for an admission decision.
All you need is a bachelor's degree in any field to join.
Colleges
Current Fast App dates
| Term | Submit app by | Enroll by | Start courses |
| Summer 1 | April 13, 2026 | April 27, 2026 | May 6, 2026 |
Take the next step
Submit your Fast App to join the Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications today.
Not ready to start?
Request more information.
AI Applications Courses
Four courses. Your direction. Three core courses ground every student in AI fundamentals, ethics, and human-centered design. Your elective is where the tracks diverge — choose the Business (D'Amore-McKim School of Business) or Health Sciences (Bouvé College of Health Sciences) path, and that college awards your certificate.
CS 5047 Exploring AI Trends and Tools
Core, 4 credits
Explore key ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) while delving into trending developments in the field. Examines AI tools and frameworks to enable collaboration effectively and efficiently across technical and non-technical stakeholders. Analyze topics such as AI-enabled perception, representation, reasoning, and learning as contextualized by societal impact. Equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
PHIL 5110 Responsible AI
Core, 4 credits
The design, development, and deployment of AI interacts with a wide range of values, including fairness, privacy, transparency, autonomy, and well-being. While AI as a technical field is advancing rapidly, enabling applications across domains and sectors, the frameworks, regulations, and ethical tools necessary to realize the promise of AI while promoting and protecting values are not robust. This course develops an understanding of the current legal, regulatory, and ethical landscape, and develops the tools necessary to responsibly engage with AI.
ARTG 6460 Human Centered AI
Core, 4 credits
Explores the foundations of Human-Centered AI in this dynamic graduate course. Examines the critical processes underpinning AI development and deployment. Investigates methodologies for integrating human perspectives into AI systems. Applies user-centered design principles to AI-driven products and services. Analyzes the ethical implications of AI applications in various organizational contexts. Discusses strategies for fostering collaboration between AI technologies and human users. Evaluates case studies showcasing the diverse uses of AI across business processes and products. Engages in hands-on projects to design AI solutions tailored to human needs. Critically assesses the societal impacts of Human-Centered AI adoption. Prepares to contribute to the responsible use of AI systems that prioritize human values and well-being.
MISM 6250 Strategic AI for Business
Business elective, 4 credits
Explores how artificial intelligence (AI) empowers businesses to enhance competitiveness. Examines how AI integrates with business strategy. Offers students an opportunity to recommend business solutions through the integration of AI capabilities. Focuses on leveraging machine learning techniques like unsupervised, supervised, and reinforcement learning for data-driven insights. Examines the intersection of managerial practices and AI capabilities through real-world case studies. Students also have an opportunity to gain practical insights into implementation and ethical considerations and navigate the dynamic landscape of AI-driven business transformations.
HLTH 5800: AI Across the Health Sciences
Health science elective, 4 credits
Presents foundational information about artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare, public health, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical sciences. Develops AI literacies for entry-level clinical practice, public health, and health-related careers. Provides an overview of the history of AI, most common types of AI approaches, and state-of-the-art of AI in health-related applications. Distinguishes realities from hype around AI’s capabilities and limitations and reviews ethical and regulatory considerations. Offers students experiential opportunities to build a conceptual AI solution to a real-world problem in the health space. Technical background in AI/computer science not required.
Resources
My Mid-Career Change to Data Analytics Engineering
See how a 15-year sales professional made a career change to data analytics engineering — and what it actually took to make it work.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement: How To Fund Your Degree
Today’s job market is changing rapidly. As such, remaining adaptable and ready to meet modern-day...
How to Ask Your Employer to Pay for Education
AI, automation, and shifting industry priorities are reshaping the workforce as we know it. That...
FAQs
How valuable is a graduate certificate?
A graduate certificate can be highly valuable, especially in fast-growing fields like artificial intelligence. It provides specialized knowledge, industry-relevant skills, and a credential that enhances your resumé. Graduate certificates also offer a cost-effective and time-efficient way to gain expertise without committing to a full master's degree. Many professionals use them to advance in their careers, transition into new roles, or supplement existing qualifications.
Are AI certificates worth it?
Yes, AI certificates are worth it if they align with your career goals. An AI certificate can help professionals develop foundational AI knowledge, understand ethical considerations, and apply AI tools in business, healthcare, finance, and other industries. Employers increasingly seek AI-literate professionals, even in non-technical roles, making an AI certification a valuable credential. Additionally, it can serve as a stepping stone toward a more advanced degree in AI or data science.
Is AI hard to learn?
AI can be challenging to learn, but it depends on your background and the approach you take. Many AI concepts—such as machine learning, deep learning, and algorithms—require technical knowledge, but there are programs designed for non-technical professionals. This graduate certificate, for example, is structured to help business leaders, executives, and professionals without a programming background understand and apply AI in their industries. With the right resources, hands-on learning, and support, AI can be accessible and manageable to learn.
Do I need a technical background to enroll?
No, this program is designed for professionals without prior coding experience. The curriculum covers AI applications, strategy, and ethical considerations rather than technical programming.
Can I apply these credits toward a master's degree?
Yes, students who earn a 'B' or better may apply these credits toward an eligible master's degree or Online MBA at Northeastern University.
⇒ Learn how to stack your certificate into a Master's with Northeastern Online's Stack Track
Meet the team
Haley Hostetter
Assistant Director of Learner Acquisition
Morgan Francese
Program Manager
Get more info.
Share a few details and you’ll get instant access to text our team directly or book a video call.
Prefer email? Reach us anytime at [email protected].